Fibronectin

Definition

Fibronectin is a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein that plays a critical role in cell adhesion, growth, migration, and differentiation. It acts as a bridge between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM), facilitating various biological processes such as wound healing, tissue repair, and embryogenesis. Understanding fibronectin is essential because it helps illustrate the complex interactions within the ECM and its importance in developmental biology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fibronectin exists in two main forms: soluble fibronectin found in blood plasma and insoluble fibronectin found in the ECM, both of which have distinct roles.
2. It is essential for embryonic development; fibronectin guides cell migration during processes like gastrulation and neurulation.
3. Fibronectin facilitates wound healing by promoting cell migration and proliferation, making it vital for tissue repair.
4. The interaction between fibronectin and integrins helps transmit signals that can influence cell behavior, such as survival, proliferation, and differentiation.
5. Abnormalities in fibronectin production or function are linked to various diseases, including fibrosis and cancer metastasis.

Review Questions

• How does fibronectin contribute to cell adhesion and what role does it play in the extracellular matrix?
  • Fibronectin contributes to cell adhesion by serving as a crucial linker between cells and the extracellular matrix. It binds to integrins on the cell surface, facilitating communication between the cell and its environment. This interaction not only stabilizes the cells within tissues but also activates signaling pathways that promote cellular activities essential for growth and differentiation.
• Discuss the importance of fibronectin in embryonic development and how it influences cellular processes.
  • Fibronectin is vital in embryonic development as it guides cell migration during key stages such as gastrulation and neurulation. By providing structural support in the extracellular matrix, fibronectin helps create pathways for cells to move into their correct positions. This is crucial for proper tissue organization and organ formation, highlighting its role in establishing the overall architecture of developing organisms.
• Evaluate the implications of fibronectin abnormalities in human health, particularly concerning diseases like cancer.
  • Abnormalities in fibronectin production or function can significantly impact human health, particularly in conditions like cancer. In tumor progression, altered fibronectin levels may affect cell adhesion properties, enabling cancer cells to migrate and invade surrounding tissues more effectively. This disruption of normal fibronectin function contributes to increased metastatic potential, demonstrating how critical this glycoprotein is for maintaining tissue integrity and regulating cellular behavior in both healthy and diseased states.

Related terms

extracellular matrix: A network of proteins and carbohydrates that provides structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells, playing a key role in tissue and organ development.

integrins: Transmembrane receptors that facilitate cell-ECM adhesion by binding to fibronectin and other ECM components, influencing cellular behaviors.

laminin: Another important glycoprotein in the ECM, laminin interacts with fibronectin to help anchor cells and guide cellular processes during development.